Vauxhall Zafira Club 1.6i 16v

1999-2005 Zafira Club 16V DOHC 1.6

Nothing but engine related problems. Particularly, idling concerns. Checked on the Vauxhall Mig Website. My car is prone to "breathing" issues. I blanked off the EGR no probs thanks to the great advice on this site. However, I was had 2 sets of spark plugs, fuel filter, 2 oil filters, air filter, new air flow sensor, EGR valve blanked, throttle housing cleaned, 2 lots of engine flush applied directly into manifold. In the end the piston rings and the cylinder head gasket went. Its a bit pants in short. I never opened it up full bore. In that respect it wasn't [like the Millenium Falcon] the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. I was just praying every time I went more than 15 miles down the road I could get back. Think very seriously before buying one of these. I know they are common. But they are riddled with problems. Until you get to the 05 plate at least.

3 years of returning to garage by RAC for new EGR valves never knowing whether you are going to get there or back on motorway. Versatility - great loved the way it handled - when it was working. Shape, comfort and handling great reliability poor. Would I buy another now I finally have got rid - probably not truly a love hate relationship. Would definately look on net for faults on any new car I buy. I felt cheated by Vauxhall in that there main dealer said this was a 1 in ten fault on this model but nothing could be done with this particular engine. A new engine? probably still got a 1 in ten chance. Great customer service!!

The ERG valve seems to go wrong every year, leaving me stranded and waiting for a pick up truck. When the AA or RAC arrive they say it is not bringing anything up on their computer even though there is an engine management light on. Seem to get charged alot by Vauxhall garages to get the computer plugged in when I know there is a problem, they tell me there isn't. Even when I leave them the problem occures again, but I didn't want to go back to get charged even more.

All the above bad points (except fuel gauge) can be fixed for £30 by getting a BLANKING GASKET fitted, instead of paying thousands for unecessary parts.

The blanking gasket tells the computer that there is no egr valve and the car runs back to being perfect.

After going to vauxhall and being told it could cost at least £1000 to put right, we spoke to a family member who told us about the blanking gasket. We took it to evans halshaw and the mechanic there said he'd fitted loads on Zafiras!

20 minutes to fit, and the car was back to full working order.